photoshop fun

here are some little photoshop projects i've been working on lately. [i think if you click on each it will appear larger in a separate window]

settling in

i am really happy with how things are shaping up here in baltimore this summer! the house is really awesome-- a perfect size, now complete with lots of free furniture from our friends that just moved, decor from IKEA, and my mom's spot-on decorative eye. the kitchen has all-new appliances and thus is gorgeous; in the past week we made buttermilk biscuits, pizza, and banana bread here. we have been taking advantage of the location to go bike riding at the nearby druid hill park and see friends in the vicinity. i am so pleased with this, i think it is going to be a good year on miles avenue!

i started my internship at the state arts council last week and it too seems like it's going to be really good. the program is very well-established and they have a lot of workshops and trainings for the 25 or so interns at various maryland state offices. next week, for example, i have a policy paper-writing workshop; at the end of the summer, we all have to give presentations to the governor! the arts council's most important function is as a funding source for many local arts organizations, giving out grants for various projects and people. i am working specifically for the maryland traditions program, which focuses on traditional and folk arts-- how cool! we have a big showcase event next week, so i have been very busy working on promoting that and making sure all the details come together. i am very interested in this line of work so i couldn't be happier with how this internship has worked out (so far, at least).

my parents were in town the week before last and i think i can say that we all had a good time. we did day trips to the picturesque city of annapolis and to lancaster county, PA-- which was a bit more touristy than i imagined it would be. they were also supremely helpful in getting us all set up here-- trips to IKEA, target, etc. were all key. they also got me a laptop to replace the stolen one, hopefully to be reimbursed by my study abroad program...i know the paperwork is a pain, but i am soooooo thankful to have a laptop again!! all in all it was great to see them, and i hope they got a little more insight into why i love baltimore so much!

best wishes for a great june!